Post-Baccalaureate Certificate...

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for Adult English as a Second Language (Non-Licensure)

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Start a versatile and exciting career

Adult English language learners include immigrants, refugees, and migrants, each having particular experiences, strengths, and needs. Because of changing patterns of immigration, this population is continually changing in terms of country of origin, language background and literacy levels in the native language and in English (TESOL, Adult ESL and literacy instruction, 2000). Teachers of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), working with adult learners, need knowledge of ESL pedagogy and the opportunity to apply these skills in an adult learning context.

With an increasing need to serve adult learners, the Adult ESL Certificate program at Worcester State University prepares students to work in a variety of program settings like adult education, citizenship education programs, refugee services, and community colleges. Classes are available in the late afternoons and evenings as well as online. Our convenient program is designed for working professionals, with the option to complete the program part-time, or at an accelerated pace.

Students have the option to use these credits to continue studies toward initial ESL teacher licensure (pre-k-grade 6 or grades 5-12). Credits earned through the Adult ESL Certificate program are easily transferred to WSU’s Master of Education program upon acceptance to the program.

This 15-credit certificate program is designed to develop the capacity of teachers and others in educational settings to effectively teach adult English Language learners. In all courses students engage in field experiences where they can apply coursework within adult ESOL experiences.

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Explore sample courses in the English as a Second Language program
ES-914 Methods and Materials for Teaching English Language Skills to the ELL
The course analyzes language learning processes for English language Learners and appropriate methods for teaching English language skills.
3 credits
ES-924 Linguistics for Teachers of English Language Learners
The course focuses on scientific study of English using current theory, research and practice for the understanding and teaching of English Language Learners.
3 credits
ES-928 Second Language Acquisition
Examines recent research and theories of second-language acquisition and bilingualism in order to prepare teachers for the challenges of educating a linguistically and culturally diverse population.
3 credits
ES-932 Teaching Adult ESL and SIFE
The course is designed to enhance teacher effectiveness in the adult ESL classroom taking into consideration their unique circumstances.
3 credits
ES-933 Global Perspectives in Cultural Diversity
This course provides appreciation of increasing diversity in schools and examines how language is used to regulate power relations among social groups.
3 credits
ED-955 Assessing English Language Learners
The course focuses on second language acquisition and linguistic principles guide the review of standardized instruments, dynamic assessment strategies, standards-referenced assessment and teacher design approaches.
3 credits
ED-978 Contemporary Issues in the Teaching of Bilingual and English Language Learners
The course focuses on language policies for educating ELLs, including bilingual, national language models, heritage languages and multicultural education as managed in multilingual nations.
3 credits
ED-986 Literacy Instruction for the English Language Learner (ELL)
The course focuses on current approaches and theories of second language literacy and integrates reading and writing in classroom environments.
3 credits

Admission requirements

The following information and materials must be submitted to the Department of Graduate and Continuing Education:

  • Completed graduate application, including fee and essay
  • Official transcripts (Transcripts from outside the United States must be officially translated and evaluated)
  • Two current letters of recommendation
  • Passing scores on the Communication and Literacy Skills Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
  • Results of a language proficiency assessment, if applicable

In addition, candidates also are required to demonstrate evidence of:

  • A course in human, child, or adolescent development at the undergraduate level.
  • Documentation of fluency at an intermediate level in a language other than English from a college or university or foreign secondary school; through the successful completion of foreign language courses deemed appropriate by the foreign language program in the Languages and Literature Department; or through the proficiency level determined by the University’s language proficiency assessment.

A passing score report from the ELL or ESL content MTEL is required prior to beginning the practicum.

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